Podcast
英语大师-EnglishMaster
Hosted by EnglishMaster · ZH
英语对话口语听力训练 每期音频同步搭配文本 学习效率更高
68episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Vol335.日常英语学习The Hidden Cost of Technology
1w ago00:13:05Tap to summarize获取全部文本资料公众号搜索：yymaster888Hello and welcome.This episode might make some people uncomfortable.And that's okay.Today we're talking about technology. Not just phones, apps, or social media, but how technology has changed our lives, our minds, and our behavior.Technology has helped us in many ways, but it has also taken more control than we'd like to admit.I'm here with someone who knows this world from the inside. He's a former executive from one of the biggest technology companies in the world.Thank you for being here and for being willing to speak openly.Thank you for inviting me.And I want to be honest from the beginning. I loved technology. I still do in many ways.But after years inside that system, I started seeing things that made me uncomfortable. Things people need to understand.Okay, let's start simple.When you look at our lives today, how has technology changed us?Technology has changed everything.The way we work, the way we communicate, the way we think, and even the way we feel.We can talk to anyone in the world in seconds. We can learn almost anything for free.That is powerful. That is beautiful.But at the same time, technology changed our relationship with time and attention.We are faster, but also more distracted.We are connected, but often more lonely.Technology didn't just enter our lives. It slowly became the center of them.And that's true.Many people don't even remember how life felt before constant notifications.And we need to be fair.Technology has helped millions of people.It created jobs.It gave voices to people who had none.It allowed education to reach places it never reached before.From a business perspective, technology solved real problems.I saw doctors saving lives using technology.I saw small businesses growing thanks to the internet.These things matter.Technology itself is not evil.I agree.Many of us are here learning, working, and connecting because of technology.But here is where things get complicated.When something helps you too much, you kind of stop using your own skills.We stopped remembering phone numbers.We stopped being bored.We stopped being alone with our thoughts.Inside big tech companies, we talked a lot about engagement.Not happiness.Not well-being.
Transcribe →Vol334.日常英语学习Context and Idioms
2w ago00:08:06Tap to summarize获取全部文本资料公众号搜索：yymaster888Hello everyone and welcome back to our podcast. I am your host River.And I am Emma.Today, we are excited to explore some engaging English expressions and useful vocabulary that will enrich your language skills.That is right. We will go beyond traditional textbook explanations and examine how native speakers actually use these expressions in everyday conversations.Precisely. You will hear authentic, natural English as it is spoken in real life.So, we are going to watch a short movie clip and then break it down together.Exactly. We will play the clip, highlight the key English expressions and vocabulary used by the characters, and explain how native speakers naturally employ them in real-life situations.This way, you will not only learn the phrases, but also understand the context and intonation behind them. Shall we begin?"Where have you been all these years?"Character 1: I've got to start with a question that is on everyone's mind. Where have you been all these years?Character 2: Well, it's a complicated story. I was a research scientist studying genetic sequencing when one of my experiments went wrong.Welcome back, friends. The key expression we are focusing on today is "Where have you been all these years?"This is a natural and emotionally expressive question used when someone reappears after a long absence. It conveys surprise, curiosity, and sometimes relief or mild reproach. Native speakers use it when reconnecting with old friends, family members, or acquaintances after many years.For example: "Wow, Jenny, where have you been all these years? I haven't seen you since high school."For example: "Where have you been all these years, man? We've missed you at our reunions.""Get" (e.g., Get a road manager)Character 1: Eh, I thought he looked puffy. Did they blow dry his fur? This is why I've been saying he needs a full-time road manager.Character 2: Uh-huh, let me guess. You're putting yourself up for the job.Character 1: Naturally. I've got an eye for showbiz, the glitz, the glamour.Character 2: Maybe he should get a road manager who doesn't have fleas.Character 1: Hey.Welcome back, friends. "Get a road manager." Let's learn how native people use "get" in everyday English."Get a road manager" means hire or find someone to do that job. In this case, it's said in a funny way because of the fleas comment.Yes, native people use "get" in many casual ways. For example: "I need to get a new phone."For example: "They decided to get a tour guide for their trip."(Clip excerpt)Character: ...for days. You're going to pardon. You're going to pardon. You're going to pardon. Hey, YOU'RE GOING TO PARDON. YOU GOT A JET. YOU GOT A JET. YOU GOT A JET.Character: OH, SHUT UP.Character: YOU GET A BOOK. You get a book. And you get a book.Character: Yeah. Tell me about it."Look on the bright side"Character 1: I grew up assuming my parents would be together forever. But that sure didn't happen.Character 2: Maybe the problem is expecting too much from other people.Character 1: I don't know. I just thought things would finally be normal, but they're not. Suddenly he's famous and everybody wants something from him.Character 2: Look on the bright side. People love your dad. He makes them happy.Welcome back, friends. Did you notice "look on the bright side"? What does it mean?Yes, it means to focus on the positive aspect of a situation instead of the negative.For example: "I lost my job, but look on the bright side, I can finally start my own business."For example: "The weather is rainy, but look on the bright side, the plants need water."Do you always see the bright side?Character: Bright side? You can start running with that again. You're fine. Ding. This is your stop. See you later."Pathetic"Character 1: Hey, Emma. I was thinking ...
Transcribe →Vol333.日常英语学习Chasing Value Not Money
2w ago00:11:14Tap to summarize获取全部文本资料公众号搜索：yymaster888Welcome to today's podcast. Today's episode is very special. Because we're not talking about theory or motivation quotes. We're talking about a real story. A story about struggle, mistakes, fear, sacrifice, and growth.Today, I'm sitting with someone who became a millionaire. But not because he was lucky. Not because he was born rich. And not because things were easy. Thank you so much for being here. To start, I want to ask you something simple, but very important. Who are you? And where did your story begin?Thank you for having me. My story began in a place most people don't imagine when they hear the word millionaire. I was born in a very poor neighborhood. Not "we had little money" poor, but real poverty. Sometimes there was no food in the house. Sometimes the electricity was cut. I shared one small room with my brothers. And my parents were always worried. I remember my mother crying quietly at night, thinking we were asleep.That kind of childhood stays with you. It shapes the way you see the world. When I was a kid, I didn't dream about being rich. I dreamed about stability. About not being afraid of tomorrow. About opening the fridge and knowing there will be food. Those dreams were simple but very powerful. They became the fuel that pushed me forward later in life.That sounds very hard. When did you start working?Very early. I was around 12 years old when I got my first informal job. I cleaned shoes, carried bags, helped people at the market. I didn't do it because I wanted extra money for fun. I did it because my family needed it.While other kids played, I learned responsibility. While others complained about homework, I learned how tiring real work can be. But here is something important: working early didn't make me successful. It made me tired. What changed my life was not working more, but thinking differently later.Did you study at the university?Yes. But not in the way people imagine. I entered university with hope, but also fear. I didn't understand many things. I felt inferior. Many students came from better families, better schools, and had connections.I failed exams. I repeated classes. At one point, I almost quit. I remember sitting alone thinking, "Maybe this life is not for me." And here is the truth many people don't like to hear: I failed many times. I was not special. I was not the best student. I was just stubborn enough to continue.When did you start making money on your own?Not fast. And not successfully at first. My first business failed completely. I lost money I didn't really have. I borrowed from friends. Some supported me; others laughed. I remember one person saying, "You should stop dreaming. This is not for people like us." That sentence hurt deeply. But it also stayed in my mind every time I wanted to quit. I tried again and again. Some small successes came, but they disappeared quickly because I didn't know how to manage money. Nobody teaches you that when you're poor. You think money will save you. But if you don't respect it, it leaves.Was there a moment that changed everything?Yes. One moment. I was exhausted, broke again, and emotionally empty. I met a man much older than me. He was not rich, but he was calm. He asked me one question:"Do you want money, or do you want skills?"That question hit me hard. I realized I was chasing money, not value. From that day, I focused on learning sales, communication, leadership, and problem-solving. I read books slowly, many times. I listened more than I spoke. I stopped trying to look successful and started trying to be useful.What did you have to sacrifice?A lot. Friends, comfort, nights out, sometimes family time. Not because I didn't love them, but because I had to choose. Many people don't talk about this part. Success is lonely before it is visible.There were years where nobody believed in me. People only see the results, not the silence. I missed birthdays. I worked weekends. I said no many times, and every "no" hurt, but it built discipline. And discipline changed my life more than motivation ever did.When did things finally work?Slowly. Very slowly. One project worked better than expected. Then another. Then I learned how to reinvest, not spend. I learned how to build teams, not to do everything alone. Money came as a result, not as a goal.The day I realized I was a millionaire was not exciting. I didn't celebrate. I just sat quietly and remembered where I came from. I thought about my mother, about the fridge, about fear, and I felt peace, not happiness.What advice would you give to someone listening right now?Stop comparing your chapter one to someone else's chapter 20.Understand that money is not the goal. Freedom is.
Transcribe →Vol332.日常英语学习Shopping at the Mall
3w ago00:21:37Tap to summarize获取全部文本资料公众号搜索：yymaster888Hello everyone, and welcome back to Listen Speak Academy.We are going to do another lesson today. It is A2 level today.Randy is going to the shopping mall and wants to shop for some new shoes.We will listen to some slow and simple English, followed by some focus on vocabulary.This is followed by shadowing and repeating exercises.Enjoy your lesson and pay attention.Hello, welcome to the shop.I need new shoes.Great. What kind are you looking for?I need two pairs today. I need one pair for work. I also need one pair for the gym.We can certainly help with that.I do a lot of walking at work, and I lift weights at the gym.I have just the right sections for you. Let's look at work shoes first.I want something black and professional.These leather shoes are very popular.Are they heavy?No, they are very lightweight.That is good for long days.They have extra cushion inside, too.I like the style of these. Can I try a size 10 in black?Let me check for you. Here is the size 10 in black.They feel a bit tight.Hmm, is it not wide enough, or the length?My toes feel a little squeezed.Let's try a size 10 and a half.These feel much better. I can move my toes now.Do they slip at the heel?They stay perfectly in place. I will definitely take this pair.Now, let's find your gym shoes.I want something with good grip.These yellow sneakers are great for the gym.I like the bright color.They have a flat sole for lifting.That is exactly what I need.Should we stay with the 10 and a half size?Let's try that size first.Here you go. Give them a try.These feel very stable on the floor. I will walk around a little bit.How is the arch support?Feels very firm and supportive.These shoes are also water-repellent.Oh, really? That is amazing.Yes, water slides right off them.That is perfect for rainy days.They are very breathable, too.The mesh lets air in. I really like them. I will take these as well.<p style="color:#333333;font-we...
Transcribe →Vol331.日常英语学习Native Speed Listening Challenge
3w ago00:08:45Tap to summarize获取全部文本资料公众号搜索：yymaster888Hello, my name is Eevee and this is a video at native speed English to help you practice your listening comprehension. Feels funny to say that at normal speed, but this is the 100,000 subscriber special. So, I thought maybe I should mix it up a little bit. This is going to be eight minutes of me speaking at native speed. I would love to know how much you can understand. So, watch the whole thing and comment down below if you could understand me or not.I am making this video because I am about to hit 100,000 subscribers. I'm about 1,000 away right now, but I wanted this video to be filmed and ready so that I could upload it for when I hit 100K, because that is so freaking cool.I've been running my channel now for about 4 months. I think it's actually 4 months today since my first upload. And this is the exact beach that I filmed in my very, very first vlog. I was so nervous in that video. My voice was shaking and I had to keep retaking the video because I was so scared. And that was just four months ago. So, it feels pretty cool to be here now, and hopefully I come across a little bit more relaxed.Speaking to Advanced Learners vs. Native SpeakersIn this video, I wanted to talk about a couple of things:The difference between how I speak to an advanced English learner and how I speak to a native.The future of this channel.The first thing I wanted to talk about was the difference between the way I speak to an advanced English learner and the way I speak to a native, because these are actually two different things.When I speak to an advanced English speaker—like even somebody who's C1 or C2, they're basically fluent and can work in English—I do still change my language. Even when I've made friends with people from other countries, my English is completely different compared to how I would speak with a native speaker.The Key DifferencesVocabulary Choice: The main difference is not necessarily the speed, but the words that I choose and use.Slang and Idioms: When I speak to an advanced English speaker, I will avoid really heavy slang, and I'll avoid using too many expressions or colloquialisms.Humor and Sarcasm: I avoid leaning too much into the sarcasm. For example, if I'm speaking to another Brit, I will literally be like, "Shut up." Brits are very sarcastic and very dry; we like to take the piss out of each other. Sometimes I speak to my advanced students, and they might even find this video a bit difficult because I'm speaking faster and I'm using more specific words and phrases.The Challenge of Socializing Abroad & The Reality TV SolutionI don't know if any of you have moved abroad at some point in your life to an English-speaking country, because I think this is one of the main times that people really feel that difference between an advanced English speaker and a native speaker. In particular, if you make friends with natives, it's fine when you're one-on-one. But the minute that you end up going into a bar, a group, or a big social event where there are lots of natives who are speaking to each other, that's actually when a lot of people find that their listening comprehension drops a lot, even though they are super advanced speakers (B2/C1).The biggest problem there is a lack of cultural understanding. You need to understand the jokes, the culture, and the background of the country that you're in order to pick up on the jokes, the intonation, and the kind of banter that goes back and forth between people. I think the UK is particularly bad for this because we're very dry and sarcastic.My Advice for Advanced LearnersIf you struggle with this, or if you are an advanced speaker and my regular videos are too slow or you want something more challenging, you need to watch reality TV.I know it's not for everyone, and people don't always enjoy reality TV like dating shows. But they are so important to watch because that is one of the only times that you will hear natives speaking to each other—particularly in these small-talky, getting-to-know-each-other contexts—without having their language changed at all.How to watch: Watch reality TV with no subtitles. If there's a word or a phrase that you don't get, then just turn them on.If you want to be conversational and make friends in English, watch reality TV to get from that advanced level to that native-level banter. Once you're comfortable with that, then start watching comedies. That will give you the cultural understanding, and if you can get the joke, you're going to be fine.Channel Reflection and the Philosophy of ImmersionIt's now been about six minutes, so I want to talk a little bit for the last couple of minutes here just to reflect on my channel and everything that's gone on in the last few months.I started this back in January because I noticed that a lot of videos that help you learn English are very educational. By that I mean—and there's nothing wrong with this—they do a lot of stuff like, "Let's go to a supermarket and I'm going to tell you what all of these words are." That's fine and it's very useful, you need that sort of content.<p style="color:#333333;font-weight:normal;font-size:16px;line-height:30px;font-fa...
Transcribe →Vol330.日常英语学习Life Lessons from Fathers and Sons
3w ago00:31:14Tap to summarize获取全部文本资料公众号搜索：yymaster888Conversation 1Dad, you wanted to talk to me.Remember, I have to work today, so I don't have much time.Yes, I know that, but I don't know. I'm not sure I can tell you this.Well, you will have to hurry up because I will be late for a meeting. Come on.That's the thing. You're always busy. It's Sunday, but you have to work anyway.I can't believe you're telling me this. You perfectly know why I have to work hard.I know that. I mean, I thought I knew, but I don't anymore. Why?How do you think we can pay for all these things? This luxury house, the new car, the school. It costs a lot of money. We have talked about this topic many times. Don't you remember?Yeah, I know we have a lot of things. We have money. In fact, I think we have too much money. And that's the thing. Why don't we go on vacation together as a family?We do that. We go on vacation once a year, usually in December.No, I mean, why don't we just go together as a family? When we travel, you work anyway.I think you don't understand. I will explain it to you. Pay attention.Your dad hasn't always been a rich man. In fact, I was really poor when I was a child.I was born in a poor family. It was a huge family. We were seven brothers and two sisters. Our house was nothing compared to this one.We lived in a very small and poor house. It was an old house. The walls were made of wood, and the ceiling was falling apart.It was dangerous to live there, but we didn't have any other options since we didn't have money to move.Despite all that, your mother worked hard so we could have something to eat every day. She had to sell a lot of things: old flowers, toys, many things.Life was not easy back then.When I was your age, I had to start working. I got a job selling food on the beach. It was one of the most horrible jobs I could have.The weather was horrible, really sunny. I had to wake up at 4:00 in the morning so I could go to my boss's house to prepare the meal.So, not only did I sell the food, but I also had to prepare it early in the morning.I was hungry all the time. Hungry and tired. We used to eat only a piece of bread and some coffee for breakfast. And for lunch, just a little food. It wasn't enough.I usually finished work at 10:00 or 11:00 in the evening. I arrived home very late. And I had to work every day. Believe me, that job was horrible.And like that job, I had many others. I had to work, otherwise I wouldn't eat.I also helped a mechanic. I was a carpenter. I worked as a waiter in a restaurant. I had many jobs.We didn't have money, so I had to help my mom. Difficult times.Then I decided I wanted to study something. Maybe that way I could live better. So I studied in an institute near my house.It was not very famous, but it was cheap. And I worked and studied at the same time.It was not easy, but I could make it. Three years later, I graduated. I was so happy. I was really happy.Because I thought my life was going to change, you know?Now that I graduated, I could get a good job, earn a lot of money, buy a beautiful house, get an expensive car, and travel around the world.I thought my life was going to be perfect.Unfortunately, none of that happened. I couldn't get a job. And when I got one, it was horrible, and the payment sucked. So, I decided to quit.Then I made the decision to start my own business. I made a plan, asked for a loan, invested more money, and now here we are.What I mean is, it wasn't easy. I had to work really hard to get all these things.<p style="color:#333333;font-weight:normal;font-size:16px;line-height:30px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;hyphens:auto;text-align:justify;" data-flag=...
Transcribe →Vol329.日常英语学习Zootopia 2- Meet Gary the Snake
4w ago00:18:19Tap to summarize获取全部文本资料公众号搜索：yymaster888There's a snake.Once again, there's a conspiracy in Zootopia, and it's up to Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde to uncover the truth. In today's lesson, we'll learn with some scenes where Judy meets Gary the Snake, the first snake to be seen in Zootopia in a century, and she discovers that snakes are not dangerous as she's been told.And here's the best part. To help you not only learn all of the expressions we'll cover in today's scenes, but also never forget them, we want to give you all the smart flashcards for today's lesson for free. You can practice them in our app by clicking the link below. Thousands of learners just like you are becoming more fluent every day and having fun while doing it. If that sounds like something that you'd like, be sure to try our method. You only need a few minutes a day to see real progress. Now, let's see Judy's first encounter with Gary.Stop. Please, you don't have to hurt him. Hurt him.Snakes never hurt anyone. We aren't the bad guys. They are. And this journal holds the secret that will prove it. I have to prove it. Please. This is our only chance to set things right. And when I do, my family will finally be able to come home.Part 2: Language Breakdown & Connected SpeechSo Gary is immediately trying to convince Judy that snakes have been misunderstood all along. Let's break down the language he uses to make his case.Snakes never hurt anyone. We aren't the bad guys. They are.In everyday English, "bad guys" means the villains, the people doing harm, breaking rules, or causing trouble. The opposite, naturally, is the good guys. It's a very casual, informal way of talking about heroes and villains. You might recognize this from Billie Eilish's hit song Bad Guy:"I'm that bad guy type. Make your mama sad type. Make your girlfriend mad tight. Might seduce your dad type. I'm the bad guy."Here, Billie playfully flips the whole idea. She's the one claiming to be the bad guy. And then Gary reveals that the Lynxley's journal is the key to Zootopia's biggest mystery.And this journal holds the secret that will prove it.When something holds a secret, it means that it contains hidden or crucial information that others don't know about. We use the verb hold because the object is keeping something inside, like a container. You could say, "This old letter holds the answer." Or, "Her expression held a secret." Listen to these other examples."This candle holds the miracle given to our family.""Use this magic to get your father back." / "I can't. Not yet." / "I don't understand. This holds a power no human can access.""I think the clock holds a clue. So, I need to get back to the garden and to Hattie."And I mentioned the real life app earlier. It really holds the secret for you to be able to speak confident natural English. Why am I so sure? Well, I've personally learned six languages and we've taught millions of English learners just like you over the last 15 years. We used our experience to build the only English app you'll ever need.If you feel too busy to dedicate enough time to studying, or you feel like you've been stuck at the same level forever, let me share with you a method to go from being a lost, insecure English learner to being a confident, natural English speaker, even if you only have 10 to 15 minutes per day.Watch a short lesson like this one with Zootopia 2. Practice the new words with smart flashcards which use science to help you remember new words forever and speak the new words in a real conversation so you feel confident using them in any situation and practice pronunciation. The great thing is we make it super easy for you to do this on the real life app. And in fact, you can use the new words you're learning in a guided speaking conversation based on this exact lesson with Zootopia 2 right now. Stop just recognizing and forgetting new words and start being able to actually speak them naturally. So try for free. Just click the link in the description.Now, I bet you get frustrated when natives speak fast and you can't understand them, right? Well, actually, the problem isn't usually about speed. It's about connected speech. That's how we natives cut, reduce, and link our words together when speaking fluently. Listen again to how Gary says "prove it".And this journal holds the secret that will prove it.So connected speech usually happens when we have content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.) and function words (articles, particles, pronouns, auxiliary verbs, etc.) together. Function words link to content words or other function words and sometimes even reduce or morph. This is a simple example. Instead of saying "prove" and "it" as two separate words, we say a smooth "prove it". Prove it. Your speaking will only improve with lots of practice. So listen to Gary again and try to say that just like him.Holds the secret that will prove it.And we have another great instance of connected speech that we can practice in the clip where Gary first appears.Mayor Wind Dancer: There's a snake! There's a snake!Mayor Wind Dancer's exclamation almost sounds like just one word. First, the article "a" usually just reduces to what's called a schwa sound (uh, uh). It then links to "there's" (there's a, there's a). Let's put it all together. There's a snake. There's a snake. Now you try. Say that just like Wind Dancer.Mayor Wind Dancer: There's a snake! There's a snake!<p style="color:#333333;font-weight:normal;font-size:16px;line-height:30px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;hyphens:aut...
Transcribe →Vol328.Easy English系列Stop Sounding like a Textbook
4w ago00:18:20Tap to summarizeEasy English系列 油管百万订阅亿次播放的easy english系列音频限时回归 本期带来《Stop Sounding like a Textbook》获取全部文本资料公众号搜索：yymaster888Textbook English versus Real EnglishHey Daniel, do you want to grab something to eat later?Sure, I would like to accompany you.See, that sounds super formal. Most people would just say, "Sure, I'd love to come." Or, "Yeah, sounds good."All right, I still sound like a textbook sometimes.It happens. Yesterday, my cousin said, "I do not understand."Let me guess, native speakers say, "I don't get it."Exactly.I also learned, "I am very tired." But, people usually say, "I'm exhausted." Or, "I'm so tired."Yep. And instead of "I am going to sleep." people often say, "I'm going to sleep."Spoken English is way shorter.Definitely. Another example, textbooks teach, "How are you?" But, friends usually say, "What's up?" Or, "How's it going?"True. And instead of "Yes." people say, "Yeah."Exactly. Or, "Nope." instead of "No."I heard someone say, "I'm kind of busy." yesterday.Yeah, kind of means kind of. Native speakers shorten words all the time.Common English Mistakes Beginners MakeI was speaking English at work today and I made so many mistakes.Really? Like what?First, I said he explained me the problem.Ah, it should be he explained the problem to me.Exactly. Then I said I'm boring instead of I'm bored.That's a super common one. Boring describes something and bored describes how you feel.English is weird sometimes.True. I used to say people is instead of people are.I also mix up prepositions when I speak English. Yesterday I said I arrived to the office.Native speakers usually say arrived at the office.That's right, I know. Yesterday I was talking to a tourist and I said I'm here since 3 years.Ah, that's a common mistake.Yeah, I realized later it should be I've been here for 3 years.Exactly. English tenses can be tricky sometimes.Definitely. I also confuse say and tell.A lot of people do. Like, you tell someone something, but you say something.Right. Another problem is grammar. I still say things like, she go to work.Ah, you mean she goes to work.Yep. I notice my mistakes after I speak.Don't worry so much about mistakes. You already speak really well.Thanks. I'm just trying to sound more natural.The more conversations you have, the easier it gets.Yeah, practice really helps a lot.<p style="color:#333333;font-weight:normal;font-size:16px;line-height:30px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;hyphens:auto;text-...
Transcribe →Vol327.日常英语学习Rebuilding Life Step-by-Step
4w ago00:20:53Tap to summarize获取全部文本资料公众号搜索：yymaster888Daniel? Is that really you? I can't believe it. It has been what? 10 years since we finished school? You look different, but I can still recognize you.Alex, wow. I didn't expect to see you here. Yes, it has been a long time. Life really changed after school, and we all went in different directions. That's how life is.So, tell me everything. What are you doing now? And what are your plans for the future? I'm very curious because everyone had different dreams back then. I remember.Well, my life is not very exciting right now, but I have some plans. First, I am going to study at the university next year because I didn't have the chance before. And I really want to improve my knowledge and have better opportunities.You are just going to study? That's it? After 10 years? I mean, that's good, but it sounds small. You should think bigger, Daniel.I understand what you mean, but for me, that's already an important step. I want to study. Also, I am going to rent a small apartment in the city center because I want to be closer to work and have my own space. I'd like that.You are going to rent? That's your plan? I'm not thinking like that. I will buy a big house in the city, and I will also buy another one in the countryside, just for weekends. That's the kind of future I want. A really big house.That sounds great for you. In my case, I'm starting step by step. Maybe later I will buy a small place, but not something big. I just want something comfortable and peaceful.You see? That's what I mean. You say you will buy something small. But why not something bigger? Why limit yourself like that? I don't get it.Because I prefer realistic goals. For example, I am going to travel to another city, just in my country. I have never traveled much. So that's something I really want to do.You are going to travel to another city? That's like a weekend plan. I will travel to different countries, and I will visit Europe and Asia. That's real travel.Yes. Maybe one day I will travel to another country, too. But for now, I'm focusing on what I can do step by step. I don't need to rush.But why think so small? You should say, "I will travel the world." Not "maybe one day."Because I don't like to promise things I'm not sure about. I prefer to say what I'm going to do with certainty, and then see what happens next.All right. What about your daily life? What are you planning to improve?Well, I am going to walk more often and take better care of my health. I also will try to have more free time because right now I work a lot and I feel tired most days.You will try? That sounds weak, man. I will change my routine completely. I will go to the gym every day and I will build a strong body. That's discipline.[laughter] Oh, great. That's good for you. For me, small changes are enough. If I improve a little every day, I think I will feel better over time. That's what I think.And what about money? Don't tell me you don't have big plans for that.Of course, I do. But again, step by step. I am going to save more money this year, and I will invest a little when I learn more about it. Investing is important. I know.That's too slow. I will create a business, and I will make a lot of money. I'm not thinking small. I'm thinking big. That's what a real man has to do.That's great if you can do it. Not everyone has the same situation or opportunities.That's just an excuse. Anyone will succeed if they think big enough and work hard.Maybe. Maybe you're right. But life is not the same for everyone.All right. Let's talk about relationships. What are your plans there? I want to know.I am going to spend more time with my family because I feel like I didn't do that enough before. And maybe in the future, I will have a partner and build something stable.Maybe? No, man. I will find the right person and I will build a strong relationship. You have to be sure about these things. That's how it works, my brother.I don't like to force things. I believe the right person will come at the right time.You are too relaxed. You say "maybe," "step by step," "small goals." Why don't you dream bigger? What's stopping you? What happened to you?It's not that I don't have dreams. It's just that my priorities are different. When I say my priorities are different, I mean my life didn't go the way I expected after school. I had plans before. Big plans like you. But things changed very fast.Really? But what do you mean? You never told anyone about that. I thought you were just taking things s...
Transcribe →Vol326.日常英语学习Can You Get the Joke?
Jun 400:18:47Tap to summarize获取全部文本资料公众号搜索：yymaster888If you understand native speakers when they're telling jokes, that's a sign that you have reached one of the final levels of fluency. In this video, you will improve your English fluency by learning some words and expressions in English jokes. I will tell you some jokes and you can test your fluency by whether or not you understand them. If you understand these, your English is probably quite fluent.Have you ever been in a conversation where everyone started laughing, but you had no idea what was so funny? Many jokes contain words with a double meaning and you might only know one meaning of the word. And by the way, sometimes what's funny in one culture may not be funny in another culture.Expressions Related to JokesFirst, let's learn some words and expressions related to jokes."I get it" / "I don't get it": "I get it" means I understand the joke. "I don't get it" means I don't understand it; I don't know why it's funny."It went over my head": This means I didn't understand the humor. Everybody laughed but the joke went over my head.Punchline: The last part of the joke that makes it funny. You can say, "The punchline was so unexpected that everyone laughed."To butcher a joke: To ruin the joke by telling it very badly. If you butcher a joke, you completely destroy it. Maybe you forgot some details and the joke wasn't funny anymore.To crack up: An informal way to say to laugh very hard. We say "to crack someone up." For example, "That joke cracked me up," or "The stand-up comedian cracked everyone up." If you say to a person, "You crack me up," it means "I think you're really funny.""I love responding and reading your comments. You guys crack me up with your questions.""That just cracked me up, man.""It cracked me up in the moment and it cracked me up on the rewatch."Corny: If a joke is corny, it's silly or predictable, usually in an embarrassing way. Maybe it's old-fashioned or overly sentimental. You can say, "My dad tells corny jokes."Dad joke: A dad joke is simple, clean, usually corny, predictable, and intentionally silly. They are called dad jokes because they're the types of jokes your father tells. He thinks it's funny, but others just roll their eyes and say, "That's such a dad joke."Example:"Why was the math book sad? Because it had too many problems." (In math, "problems" means exercises, but it also means difficulties in life).Word play / Play on words: A humorous use of language where a word has two meanings or two words sound similar.Joke 1: The SkeletonsJoke: Why don't skeletons fight each other? Punchline: Because they don't have the guts.Explanation: You have to know the expression to have guts in order to understand the meaning. The literal meaning of "gut" is the inside of your stomach. Skeletons don't have guts; they only have bones. But the English expression "to have guts" means to be brave, courageous, or have determination in difficult situations. Instead of saying someone is brave, you can say, "You have a lot of guts." If you say, "I don't have the guts," it means "I'm scared.""I didn't have the guts to tell my dad I was going to be an acting major. But if you're brave enough, if you have the guts and the vision and the passion...""Very few companies have the guts to do it."Joke 2: The CalendarJoke: Why was the calendar nervous? Punchline: Because its days were numbered.Explanation: A calendar literally has numbers on its days. However, this joke uses the common idiom one's days are numbered, which means something bad is going to happen soon, or something will end soon. It often means a person will die, be fired, or be replaced (e.g., "His days are numbered. He is old and sick."). It can also be used for objects (e.g., "I love my old car, but its days are numbered. It keeps breaking down.").<blockquote style="font-size:14px;margin:10px 0px;color:rgb(102, 102, 102);border-left:5px solid rgb(232, 232, 232)...
Transcribe →